MATTERS OF URGENCY

Senator SCARR (Queensland) (15:56): Once again, I'd like to emphasise, to our wonderful Nepalese Australian community, that this parliament stands in solidarity with you. Our Nepalese Australian community is one of our fastest-growing diaspora communities, and we see the wonderful contribution they make through the work they do in professions, in businesses, in small businesses and in our health sector.

In every aspect of our community we see the contribution that is made by our Nepalese Australian community. In that respect, I also want to note that I've attended a number of events with our Nepalese Australian community. They've opened up their festivals to all Australians, including in my home state of Queensland.

I'm sure Senator Waters would agree with respect to that matter. To be open, I don't feel comfortable debating an issue such as this urgency motion at this point in time. That's my own personal position.

I think the focus needs to be on providing our support, our solidarity with our Nepalese Australian community. I understand and appreciate that the Greens have a different perspective, but from my perspective it should be all about working out what we can do to support that community. In that regard, I congratulate the government with respect to the support it's provided to date in response to the disaster.

I also note that members of the Nepalese community have contacted me and have provided their desire to contribute to the relief efforts occurring in Nepal. I think one thing the government could consider in the medium to longer term as Australia continues to provide its support to the Nepalese Australian community is how we can use the human bridge between our Nepalese Australian community and the people of Nepal to provide assistance to Nepal in the medium to long term.

And I advocate for that assistance to be provided in the medium to long term. In that regard, I welcome the fact that Angus Taylor, the opposition leader, has provided his support for measures the government undertakes to support the Nepalese Australian community and to support Nepal as it goes through the rebuilding and restructuring process. We're still in the phase of trying to rescue everyone who's able to be rescued.

Again, I provide my compliments and support to those engaged in the rescue activities, including many Australians. It is extraordinarily heartwarming and inspiring to see the efforts that are occurring on the ground. Every day, including just yesterday, we hear of new survivors being rescued so many days after these catastrophic events, and that is heartwarming.

I want to provide my solidarity to the Nepalese Australian community. I want to provide my support to those engaged in the rescue and relief efforts. And I want to advocate for the Australian government, whoever's in government—it doesn't matter—to commit whatever supports are necessary in the short term in support of the rescue efforts and the relief efforts but also to commit the assistance Nepal will need in the medium to long term as it seeks to rebuild after this catastrophe.

The government has the support of the opposition and the opposition leader. One of the reasons for that is the wonderful contribution that is made by our Nepalese Australian community. We see it every day.

They are part of the Australian story and will always be part of the Australian story. At this very difficult time, they should know that the Australian people have their arms wrapped around our Nepalese Australian community in solidarity and support. I once again thank those leaders of the Nepalese Australian community who are providing such great leadership, even at a time when they're going through their own personal pain.